Method to overcome electrical circuit voltage and current limitations

ABSTRACT

A power converter system including an input configured to receive input AC power from an input power source, the input power source having a peak voltage limit, at least one output configured to provide output power to at least one load, a charger coupled to the input and configured to convert the input AC power into first DC power, a DC bus configured to receive the first DC power, at least one power converter configured to convert DC power from the DC bus into the output power, and an auxiliary power source coupled to the DC bus and configured to provide second DC power to the DC bus to supplement the first DC power provided by the charger in response to a voltage demand of the at least one load exceeding the peak voltage limit of the input power source.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuationof U.S. application Ser. No. 17/075,809, titled A NOVEL METHOD TOOVERCOME ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT VOLTAGE AND CURRENT LIMITATIONS, filed onOct. 21, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to power converter systems.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Typical electrical wiring systems are configured to provide a standardpower input (e.g., 120V, 15 A) to standard electrical devices. However,non-standard electrical devices may require power greater than thestandard power input. For example, some non-standard electrical deviceshave a peak power demand that is higher than the standard power inputand higher than the average power consumption of the device. As such, topower non-standard electrical devices that operate with higher peakcurrent and/or voltage levels than standard devices, the electricalwiring system may have to be reconfigured. In such cases, the electricalwiring system can be redesigned or replaced altogether to support thehigher peak power demand; however, this can be relatively time-consumingand expensive.

SUMMARY

At least one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a powerconverter system including an input configured to receive input AC powerfrom an input power source, the input power source having a peak voltagelimit, at least one output configured to provide output power to atleast one load, a charger coupled to the input and configured to convertthe input AC power into first DC power having a first voltage level, aDC bus coupled to the charger and configured to receive the first DCpower having the first voltage level, at least one power convertercoupled to the DC bus and configured to convert DC power from the DC businto the output power and provide the output power to the at least oneload, and an auxiliary power source coupled to the DC bus and configuredto provide second DC power having the first voltage level to the DC busto supplement the first DC power provided by the charger in response toa voltage demand of the at least one load exceeding the peak voltagelimit of the input power source.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary power source is configured to receivethe first DC power having the first voltage level from the DC bus forcharging while the voltage demand of the at least one load is less thanthe peak voltage limit of the input power source. In some embodiments,the power converter system includes a power flow control module coupledto the charger, the auxiliary power source, and the DC bus, and acontroller configured to monitor the voltage demand of the at least oneload with respect to the peak voltage limit of the input power source,control, in response to the voltage demand of the at least one loadbeing less than the peak voltage limit of the input power source, thepower flow control module to provide the first DC power having the firstvoltage level from the DC bus to the auxiliary power source, andcontrol, in response to the voltage demand of the at least one loadexceeding the peak voltage limit of the input power source, the powerflow control module to draw the second DC power having the first voltagelevel from the auxiliary power source.

In certain embodiments, the controller is configured to adjust the peakvoltage limit based on at least one of a variability of the input powersource, utility costs, and user preferences. In various embodiments, theat least one power converter includes at least one inverter configuredto convert DC power from the DC bus into AC output power. In someembodiments, a voltage level of the AC output power is greater than thepeak voltage limit of the input power source. In one embodiment, the atleast one power converter includes a DC/DC converter coupled in serieswith the inverter and configured to convert DC power from the DC businto DC power having a different voltage level.

In some embodiments, the at least one power converter includes at leastone DC/DC converter configured to convert DC power from the DC bus intoDC output power. In certain embodiments, a voltage level of the DCoutput power is greater than the peak voltage limit of the input powersource. In various embodiments, the auxiliary power source includes oneor more batteries.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a powerconverter system including an input configured to receive input AC powerfrom an input power source, the input power source having a peak currentlimit, at least one output configured to provide output power to atleast one load, a charger coupled to the input and configured to convertthe input AC power into first DC power having a first voltage level, aDC bus coupled to the charger and configured to receive the first DCpower having the first voltage level, at least one power convertercoupled to the DC bus and configured to convert DC power from the DC businto the output power and provide the output power to the at least oneload, and an auxiliary power source coupled to the DC bus and configuredto provide second DC power having the first voltage level to the DC busto supplement the first DC power provided by the charger in response toa current demand of the at least one load exceeding the peak currentlimit of the input power source.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary power source is further configured toreceive the first DC power having the first voltage level from the DCbus for charging while the current demand of the at least one load isless than the peak current limit of the input power source. In someembodiments, the power converter system includes a power flow controlmodule coupled to the charger, the auxiliary power source, and the DCbus, and a controller configured to monitor the current demand of the atleast one load with respect to the peak current limit of the input powersource, control, in response to the current demand of the at least oneload being less than the peak current limit of the input power source,the power flow control module to provide the first DC power having thefirst voltage level from the DC bus to the auxiliary power source, andcontrol, in response to the current demand of the at least one loadexceeding the peak current limit of the input power source, the powerflow control module to draw the second DC power having the first voltagelevel from the auxiliary power source.

In certain embodiments, the controller is configured to adjust the peakcurrent limit based on at least one of a variability of the input powersource, utility costs, and user preferences. In various embodiments, theat least one power converter includes at least one inverter configuredto convert DC power from the DC bus into AC output power. In someembodiments, a current level of the AC output power is greater than thepeak current limit of the input power source. In one embodiment, the atleast one power converter includes a DC/DC converter coupled in serieswith the inverter and configured to convert DC power from the DC businto DC power having a different voltage level.

In some embodiments, the at least one power converter includes at leastone DC/DC converter configured to convert DC power from the DC bus intoDC output power. In one embodiment, a current level of the DC outputpower is greater than the peak current limit of the input power source.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium storing thereon sequences ofcomputer-executable instructions for operating a power converter system.The sequences of computer-executable instructions including instructionsthat instruct at least one processor to control the power convertersystem to receive input AC power at an input from an input power source,the input power source having a peak voltage limit and a peak currentlimit, operate a charger coupled to the input to convert the input ACpower into first DC power having a first voltage level, provide thefirst DC power having the first voltage level to a DC bus, operate atleast one power converter coupled to the DC bus to convert DC power fromthe DC bus into output power and provide the output power to at leastone load, and in response to a voltage or current demand of the at leastone load exceeding the peak voltage limit or the peak current limit ofthe input power source, providing second DC power having the firstvoltage level to the DC bus from an auxiliary power source to supplementthe first DC power provided by the charger.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method ofassembling a power converter system. The method includes providing acharger configured to be coupled to an input power source, the chargerconfigured to receive input AC power and convert the input AC power intofirst DC power having a first voltage level, coupling a DC bus to thecharger, the DC bus configured to receive the first DC power having thefirst voltage level, coupling at least one power converter to the DCbus, the at least one power converter configured to convert DC powerfrom the DC bus into output power and provide the output power to atleast one load, and coupling an auxiliary interface to the DC bus, theauxiliary interface configured to be coupled to an auxiliary powersource, to receive second DC power having the first voltage level fromthe auxiliary power source, and to provide the second DC power to the DCbus to supplement the first DC power provided by the charger in responseto a voltage or current demand of the at least one load exceeding a peakvoltage limit or a peak current limit of the input power source.

Another aspect of the present disclosure a method for operating a powerconverter system. The method includes receiving input AC power at aninput from an input power source, the input power source having a peakpower limit corresponding to an input voltage level and an input currentlevel of the input AC power, operating a charger coupled to the input toconvert the input AC power into first DC power having a first voltagelevel, providing the first DC power having the first voltage level to aDC bus, operating at least one power converter coupled to the DC bus toconvert DC power from the DC bus into output power and provide theoutput power to at least one load, and in response to a power demand ofthe at least one load exceeding the peak power limit of the input powersource, providing second DC power having the first voltage level to theDC bus from an auxiliary power source to supplement the first DC powerprovided by the charger.

In one embodiment, the peak power limit corresponds to an input voltagelevel and an input current level of the input AC power. In someembodiments, the method includes adjusting the peak power limit based onat least one of a variability of the input power source, utility costs,and user preferences. In certain embodiments, the method includesproviding the first DC power having the first voltage level from the DCbus to charge the auxiliary power source while the power demand of theat least one load is less than the peak power limit of the input powersource. In various embodiments, the method includes monitoring the powerdemand of the at least one load with respect to the peak power limit ofthe input power source, controlling, in response to the power demand ofthe at least one load being less than the peak power limit of the inputpower source, the power flow control module to provide the first DCpower having the first voltage level from the DC bus to auxiliary powersource, and controlling, in response to the power demand of the at leastone load exceeding the peak power limit of the input power source, apower flow control module to draw the second DC power having the firstvoltage level from the auxiliary power source.

In some embodiments, operating the at least one power converter toconvert DC power from the DC bus into the output power further includesoperating at least one inverter configured to convert DC power from theDC bus into AC output power. In various embodiments, the at least oneinverter is operated such that at least one of a voltage level and acurrent level of the AC output power is greater than the input voltagelevel and/or the input current level of the input AC power. In certainembodiments, operating the at least one power converter to convert DCpower from the DC bus into the output power further includes operatingat least one DC/DC converter to convert DC power from the DC bus into DCoutput power. In one embodiment, the at least one DC/DC converter isoperated such that at least one of a voltage level and a current levelof the DC output power is greater than the input voltage level and/orthe input current level of the input AC power.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects of at least one embodiment are discussed below withreference to the accompanying figures, which are not intended to bedrawn to scale. The figures are included to provide illustration and afurther understanding of the various aspects and embodiments and areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, but are notintended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the figures,each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated invarious figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes ofclarity, not every component may be labeled in every figure. In thefigures:

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a power converter system inaccordance with aspects described herein;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram corresponding to operation of a power convertersystem in accordance with aspects described herein;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a power converter system in accordancewith aspects described herein;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a power converter system inaccordance with aspects described herein; and

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram corresponding to the assembly of a powerconverter system in accordance with aspects described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of the methods and systems discussed herein are not limited inapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement ofcomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. The methods and systems are capable ofimplementation in other embodiments and of being practiced or of beingcarried out in various ways. Examples of specific implementations areprovided herein for illustrative purposes only and are not intended tobe limiting. In particular, acts, components, elements and featuresdiscussed in connection with any one or more examples are not intendedto be excluded from a similar role in any other examples.

Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. Any references toexamples, embodiments, components, elements or acts of the systems andmethods herein referred to in the singular may also embrace embodimentsincluding a plurality, and any references in plural to any embodiment,component, element or act herein may also embrace embodiments includingonly a singularity. References in the singular or plural form are notintended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, theircomponents, acts, or elements. The use herein of “including,”“comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variationsthereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter andequivalents thereof as well as additional items. References to “or” maybe construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” mayindicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms.In addition, in the event of inconsistent usages of terms between thisdocument and documents incorporated herein by reference, the term usagein the incorporated references is supplementary to that of thisdocument; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the term usage in thisdocument controls.

Electrical wiring systems are typically configured to provide power froma power source (e.g., utility grid) to electrical devices within/outsidebuildings. As discussed above, in at least one example, standardelectrical devices are devices that operate with peak power demands thatare lower than the maximum power provided by the standard input power.These standard electrical devices can be plugged into power outlets ofthe electrical wiring system to receive the standard input power (e.g.,120V, 15 A) from the wiring infrastructure. In some examples, eachelectrical device plugged into a standard power output includes a powerconverter that converts the standard input power into AC or DC devicepower. In other examples, each electrical device can include an externalpower adapter configured to convert the standard input power into thedevice power.

In some examples, non-standard electrical devices are devices that canoperate with peak power demands that exceed the maximum power providedby the standard input power. To support such non-standard electricaldevices that can operate with higher peak current and/or voltage levelsthan are provided by the standard input power, the electrical wiringsystem may be redesigned or replaced to provide the higher peak powercapabilities. Such efforts can be expensive and time-consuming. As such,it may be advantageous to use alternative methods for increasing thepeak power capability of standard electrical wiring systems and powersources.

A power converter system configured to increase the peak powercapability of standard electrical systems is provided herein. In atleast one embodiment, the power converter system includes an auxiliarypower source configured to supplement input power provided from an inputpower source. In one example, the power converter system can provideoutput power having a peak power level that exceeds the peak power limitof the input power source.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a power converter system 100 inaccordance with aspects described herein. As shown, the power convertersystem 100 includes an input 102, a charger 104, a DC bus 106, anauxiliary power source 108, a plurality of power converters 110, and aplurality of outputs 112. In some examples, the power converter system100 includes a controller 114 coupled to and configured to operate thecharger 104 and the plurality of power converters 110.

In one example, the auxiliary power source 108 includes one or morebatteries. As shown, the auxiliary power source 108 is coupled to the DCbus 106 via an auxiliary interface 116. In some examples, the auxiliarypower source 108 is internal to the power converter system 100; however,in other examples, the auxiliary power source 108 may be external to thepower converter system 100.

In one example, the plurality of power converters 110 includes a firstpower converter 110 a, a second power converter 110 b, a third powerconverter 110 c, and a fourth power converter 110 d; however, in otherexamples, the plurality of power converters 110 can include a differentnumber of power converters. Likewise, in one example, the plurality ofoutputs 112 includes a first output 112 a coupled to the first powerconverter 110 a, a second output 112 b coupled to the second powerconverter 110 b, a third output 112 c coupled to the third powerconverter 110 c, and a fourth output 112 d coupled to the fourth powerconverter 112 d. In other examples, the plurality of outputs 112 caninclude a different number of outputs. For example, the power convertersystem 100 may have more outputs than power converters. In suchexamples, two or more outputs of the plurality of outputs 112 can becoupled to the same power converter of the plurality of power converters110 via an output switch.

As shown, the input 102 is coupled to an input of the charger 104 and anoutput of the charger 104 is coupled to the DC bus 106. The auxiliarypower source 108 is coupled to the DC bus 106. Each converter of theplurality of converters 110 is coupled to the DC bus 106. In oneexample, each power converter is coupled to the DC bus 106 in parallel.In some examples, two or more of the power converters can be coupled tothe DC bus 106 in series. As described above, each power converter ofthe plurality of power converters 110 is coupled to at least one outputof the plurality of outputs 112.

In one example, the input 102 is configured to receive input AC powerfrom an input power source (e.g., a utility mains AC power supply). Insome examples, the input 102 is connected to a power outlet of astandard electrical wiring system to receive the input AC power. Thecharger 104 converts the input AC power into DC power and provides theDC power to the DC bus 106. In one example, the charger 104 can provideDC power to the DC bus 106 having a voltage level corresponding to acharging voltage of the auxiliary power source 108. For example, theinput AC power may have an input voltage level (e.g., 120V) and thecharger 104 may provide DC power to the DC bus 106 having a reducedvoltage level (e.g., 46-58V). Likewise, the charger 104 can provide DCpower to the DC bus 106 having a current level corresponding to acharging current of the auxiliary power source 108. For example, theinput AC power may have an input current level (e.g., 15 A) and thecharger 104 may provide DC power to the DC bus 106 having a reducedcurrent level (e.g., 10 A). In some examples, the charger 104 isconfigured to adjust the voltage and/or current levels of the DC powerprovided to the DC bus 106 based on specific charging parameters of theauxiliary source 108.

The auxiliary power source 108 is configured to receive and provide DCpower to the DC bus 106. The auxiliary power source 108 can receive DCpower from the DC bus 106 for charging in a first state of the powerconverter system 100 and provide power to the DC bus 106 to supplementthe DC power provided by the charger 104 in a second state of the powerconverter system 100. In some examples, the auxiliary power source 108is coupled in series with the DC bus 106. For example, a first portionof the DC bus 106 can be coupled between the charger 104 and an inputport of the auxiliary power source 108. Likewise, a second portion ofthe DC bus 106 can be coupled between an output port of the auxiliarypower source 108 and the plurality of converters 110.

Each power converter of the plurality of power converters 110 isconfigured to receive DC power from the DC bus 106 and convert the DCpower into output power. In one example, each power converter of theplurality of power converters 110 is configured as a DC/DC converter toprovide output DC power. In other examples, each power converter of theplurality of power converters 110 is configured as a DC/AC inverter toprovide output AC power. In some examples, a first portion of theplurality of power converters 110 (e.g., 110 a, 110 b) can be configuredas DC/DC converters and a second portion of the plurality of powerconverters 110 (e.g., 110 c, 110 d) can be configured as inverters. Assuch, the configuration of each power converter may correspond to adesired configuration of the plurality of outputs 112. For example, eachoutput of the plurality of outputs 112 may have a configuration (e.g.,DC or AC) based on the types of loads (i.e., devices) connected to eachoutput.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method 200 for operating powerconverter systems in accordance with aspects described herein. In oneexample, the control method 200 corresponds to operation of the powerconverter system 100 in the first and second states described above. Insome examples, at least a portion of the control method 200 can becarried out by the controller 114 of the power converter system 100.

At block 202, the method 200 begins and the power converter 100 receivesinput AC power at the input 102. At block 204, the controller 114operates the charger 104 to convert the input AC power into DC power andprovide the DC power to the DC bus 106. The plurality of converters 110receive the DC power from the DC bus 106 and the controller 114 operatesthe plurality of power converters 110 to provide output power to theplurality of outputs 112. As described above, each of power converter ofthe plurality of power converters 110 may be configured as a DC/DCconverter to provide output DC power or as an inverter to provide outputAC power.

At block 206, the peak output power demand by the plurality of outputs112 is compared to the peak input power limit of the input power source(e.g., grid). The peak power limit of the input power source correspondsto a fixed power limit (e.g., 1200 W) defined by the input voltage andcurrent levels (e.g., 120V, 15 A) provided by the input power source. Assuch, the peak power limit of the input source may correspond to a peakvoltage limit (e.g., 120V) and/or a peak current limit (e.g., 15 A).Likewise, the peak output power demand at each output corresponds to thetype of load or device coupled to the output. In some examples, the peakoutput power demand corresponds to a peak output voltage demand and/or apeak output current demand.

At block 208, in response to the peak output power demand by theplurality of outputs 112 being less than the peak input power limit, thepower converter system 100 operates in the first state. During the firststate, the auxiliary power source 108 can receive (or draw) DC powerfrom the DC bus 106 for charging while DC power is provided to theplurality of power converters 110 to support the peak output powerdemand. In one example, if the auxiliary power source 108 is fullycharged, the auxiliary power source 108 can operate in an idle state(i.e., not receiving or drawing DC power). In some examples, if fullycharged, the auxiliary power source 108 can be disconnected (e.g., via aswitch) from the DC bus 106. In some examples, while the auxiliary powersource 108 is charging (or idling) and the plurality of power converters110 are providing output power to the plurality of outputs 112, thepower converter system 100 returns to block 206 to continuously monitorthe peak output power demand with respect to the peak input power limit.

At block 210, in response to the peak output power demand by theplurality of outputs 112 being greater than the peak input power limit,the power converter system 100 operates in the second state. During thesecond state, the auxiliary power source 108 provides DC power to the DCbus 106 to supplement the DC power provided by the charger 104. In oneexample, the amount of supplemental DC power provided by the auxiliarypower source 108 to the DC bus 106 corresponds to the difference betweenthe peak output power demand and the input power limit. For example, ifthe input power limit is 1200 W and the peak output power demand is 1250W, the auxiliary power source 108 can provide an additional 50 W of DCpower to supplement the DC power provided by the charger 104. While theauxiliary power source 108 is providing supplemental DC power to the DCbus 106 and the plurality of power converters 110 are providing outputpower to the plurality of outputs 112, the power converter system 100returns to block 206 to continuously monitor the peak output powerdemand with respect to the peak input power limit.

As described above, the peak output power demand corresponds to the peakpower levels of devices coupled to the outputs. As such, by providingsupplemental DC power from the auxiliary power source 108 to the DC bus106, the power converter system 100 can support devices that operatewith peak power levels exceeding the input power limit. In someexamples, the power converter system 100 is transitioned between thefirst and second states to support the peak output power demand of theplurality of outputs 112 while maintaining an average output powerdemand less than the maximum power provided by the input power source.

In one example, the power converter system 100 is configured topassively transition between the first and second states (i.e., withoutcontroller/operator intervention). For example, the auxiliary powersource 108 can be configured to automatically draw DC power from the DCbus 106 for charging when the peak output power demand of the pluralityof outputs 112 is less than the peak input power limit. Likewise, theauxiliary power source 108 can automatically provide DC power to the DCbus 106 when the peak output power demand exceeds the peak input powerlimit.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of power converter system 300 inaccordance with aspects described herein. As shown, the power convertersystem 300 includes an input 302, a charger 304, a DC bus 306, a battery308, a power converter 310, and an output 312. In one example, thebattery 308 corresponds to the auxiliary power source 108 of the powerconverter system 100. Likewise, the power converter 310 corresponds to apower converter of the plurality of power converters 110 and the output312 corresponds to an output of the plurality of outputs 112 of thepower converter system 100.

As shown, the power converter 310 includes a DC/DC converter 310 a andan inverter 310 b coupled in series. In one example, the DC/DC converter310 a is coupled to the DC bus 306 and configured to boost the DC powerreceived from the DC bus 306, e.g., from a battery charging voltagelevel to an output voltage level. In other examples, the DC/DC converter310 a is configured to provide DC power having a voltage level lowerthan the battery charging level. The inverter 310 b receives the DCpower from the DC/DC converter 310 a and converts the DC power intooutput AC power.

The battery 308 includes an input port 314 and an output port 316. Inone example, the input port 314 is coupled to the charger 304 via afirst portion of the DC bus 306 and the output port 316 is coupled tothe power converter 310 via a second portion of the DC bus 306. As such,the battery 308 is coupled to the DC bus 306 between the charger 304 andthe power converter 310. In some examples, the battery 308 includes asingle battery module coupled to the input and output ports 314, 316;however, in other examples, the battery 308 can include a plurality ofbattery modules coupled to the input and output ports 314, 316.

As described above, the power converter system 300 is configured suchthat the battery 308 (i.e., auxiliary power source 108) canautomatically provide and/or receive DC power based on the peak outputpower demand at the output 312. For example, the power output of thecharger 304 is fixed at the peak input power limit (e.g., 1200 W). Inthe first state of the power converter system 300, when the peak outputpower demand at the output 312 is less than the peak input power limit,the battery 308 can draw DC power from the charger 104 via the inputport 314 for charging. Likewise, in the second state of the powerconverter system 300, when the peak output power demand at the output312 exceeds the peak input power limit, supplemental DC power is drawnfrom the battery 308 via the output port 316. As such, the powerconverter system 300 can seamlessly transition between the first andsecond states without operator/controller intervention.

In other examples, active control approaches can be used to transitionthe power converter system 100 between the first and second states. Forexample, FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of a power converter system 400 inaccordance with aspects described herein. As shown, the power convertersystem 400 includes an input 402, a charger 404, and a DC bus 406. Inone example, the power converter system 400 is similar to the powerconverter system 100 of FIG. 1 , except the power converter system 400includes a power flow control module 412 and a controller 414. While notshown, the power converter system 400 includes a plurality of powerconverters (i.e., the plurality of power converters 110) and a pluralityof outputs (i.e., the plurality of outputs 112) coupled to the DC bus406. In some examples, the controller 414 corresponds to the controller114 of the power converter system 100; however, in other examples, thecontroller 414 may be a different/separate controller.

The power flow control module 412 is coupled to the output of thecharger 404, the DC bus 406, and the auxiliary power source 408.Likewise, the controller 414 is coupled to the power flow control module412, the output of the charger 404, the DC bus 406, and the auxiliarypower source 408. In one example, the controller 414 includes currentsensors configured to sense current at the output of the charger 404,the input/output of the auxiliary power source 408, and the DC bus 406.As such, the controller 414 can monitor, in real-time, the DC powerprovided by the charger 404, the DC power provided/drawn at theauxiliary power source 408, and the DC power drawn by the plurality ofoutputs coupled to the DC bus 406.

Similar to the examples of power converter systems described above, thepower converter system 400 can be configured to transition between thefirst state and the second state based on a fixed peak input power limit(e.g., 1200 W). However, in some examples, the controller 414 isconfigured to dynamically set the peak input power limit based on thereal-time monitoring of DC power. For example, one or more variablepower sources (e.g., solar panel, wind turbine, etc.) may also becoupled to the input 402, and the controller 414 may adjust (i.e., raiseor lower) the peak input power limit based on the amount of DC powerprovided by the charger 404 at any given time. In other examples, thecontroller 414 can adjust the peak input power limit based on additionalfactors. For example, it may be desirable to restrict grid powerconsumption during certain time periods (e.g., nights, weekends, etc.)to reduce utility costs. As such, the controller 414 may adjust the peakinput power limit to reduce grid power consumption accordingly.

In some examples, based on the DC power monitoring and the peak inputpower limit, the controller 414 is configured to send commands to thepower flow control module 412 to operate the power converter system 400in the first and second states. For example, when the peak output powerdemand at the plurality of outputs is less than the peak input powerlimit, the controller 414 operates the power converter system 400 in thefirst state. In the first state, the controller 414 sends a commandinstructing the power flow control module 412 to provide DC power fromthe charger 404 to the DC bus 406. At the same time, the power flowcontrol module 412 is commanded by the controller 414 to provide excessDC power from the charger 404 to the auxiliary power source 408 forcharging. Likewise, when the peak output power demand at the pluralityof outputs exceeds the peak input power limit, the controller 414operates the power converter system 400 in the second state. In thesecond state, the controller 414 sends a command instructing the powerflow control module 412 to provide DC power from the charger 404 to theDC bus 406. At the same time, the power flow module 412 is commanded bythe controller 414 to draw supplemental DC power from the auxiliarypower source 408 to support the DC power provided by the charger 404.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 of assembling a power converter systemin accordance with aspects described herein. In one embodiment, themethod 500 can be utilized to assemble the power converter system 100 ofFIG. 1 , for example.

At step 502, the charger 104 is provided. In one example, the charger104 is configured to be coupled to an input power source (e.g., viainput 102) to receive input AC power and convert the input AC power intofirst DC power having the first voltage level. At step 504, the DC bus106 is coupled to the charger 104. In some examples, the DC bus 106 iscoupled to the output charger 104 and configured to receive the first DCpower having the first voltage level. At step 506, one or more powerconverters (i.e., plurality of power converters 110) are coupled to theDC bus 106. In one example, the plurality of power converter 110 areconfigured to convert DC power from the DC bus into output power andprovide the output power to at least one load (e.g., via the pluralityof outputs 112). At step 508, the auxiliary interface 116 is coupled tothe DC bus 106. In some examples, the auxiliary interface 116 isconfigured to be coupled to the auxiliary power source 108. In certainexamples, the auxiliary interface 116 is configured to receive second DCpower having the first voltage level from the auxiliary power source 108and provide the second DC power to the DC bus 106 to supplement thefirst DC power provided by the charger 104 in response to a voltage orcurrent demand of the at least one load exceeding a peak voltage limitor a peak current limit of the input power source.

As described above, a power converter system configured to increase thepeak power capability of standard electrical systems is provided herein.In at least one embodiment, the power converter system includes anauxiliary power source configured to supplement input power providedfrom an input power source. In one example, the power converter systemcan provide output power having a peak power level that exceeds the peakpower limit of the input power source.

Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of thisinvention, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications,and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Suchalterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part ofthis disclosure and are intended to be within the spirit and scope ofthe invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings areby way of example only.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for operating a power converter system,the method comprising: receiving input AC power at an input from aninput power source, the input power source having a peak voltage limit;operating a charger coupled to the input to convert the input AC powerinto first DC power having a first voltage level; providing the first DCpower having the first voltage level to a DC bus; operating at least onepower converter coupled to the DC bus to convert DC power from the DCbus into output power and provide the output power to at least one load;and in response to a voltage demand of the at least one load exceedingthe peak voltage limit of the input power source, providing second DCpower having the first voltage level to the DC bus from an auxiliarypower source to supplement the first DC power provided by the charger.2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, with theauxiliary power source, the first DC power having the first voltagelevel from the DC bus for charging while the voltage demand of the atleast one load is less than the peak voltage limit of the input powersource.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: monitoring thevoltage demand of the at least one load with respect to the peak voltagelimit of the input power source; controlling, in response to the voltagedemand of the at least one load being less than the peak voltage limitof the input power source, a power flow control module to provide thefirst DC power having the first voltage level from the DC bus to theauxiliary power source; and controlling, in response to the voltagedemand of the at least one load exceeding the peak voltage limit of theinput power source, the power flow control module to draw the second DCpower having the first voltage level from the auxiliary power source. 4.The method of claim 3, further comprising adjusting the peak voltagelimit based on at least one of a variability of the input power source,utility costs, and user preferences.
 5. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising converting DC power from the DC bus into AC output power. 6.The method of claim 5, further comprising converting DC power from theDC bus into DC power having a different voltage level.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising converting DC power from the DC bus into DCoutput power.
 8. A method for operating a power converter system, themethod comprising: receiving input AC power at an input from an inputpower source, the input power source having a peak current limit;operating a charger coupled to the input to convert the input AC powerinto first DC power having a first voltage level; providing the first DCpower having the first voltage level to a DC bus; operating at least onepower converter coupled to the DC bus to convert DC power from the DCbus into output power and provide the output power to at least one load;and in response to a current demand of the at least one load exceedingthe peak current limit of the input power source, providing second DCpower having the first voltage level to the DC bus from an auxiliarypower source to supplement the first DC power provided by the charger.9. The method of claim 8, further comprising receiving, with theauxiliary power source, the first DC power having the first voltagelevel from the DC bus for charging while the current demand of the atleast one load is less than the peak current limit of the input powersource.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: monitoring thecurrent demand of the at least one load with respect to the peak currentlimit of the input power source; controlling, in response to the currentdemand of the at least one load being less than the peak current limitof the input power source, a power flow control module to provide thefirst DC power having the first voltage level from the DC bus to theauxiliary power source; and controlling, in response to the currentdemand of the at least one load exceeding the peak current limit of theinput power source, the power flow control module to draw the second DCpower having the first voltage level from the auxiliary power source.11. The method of claim 10, further comprising adjusting the peakcurrent limit based on at least one of a variability of the input powersource, utility costs, and user preferences.
 12. The method of claim 8,further comprising converting DC power from the DC bus into AC outputpower.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising converting DCpower from the DC bus into DC power having a different voltage level.14. The method of claim 8, further comprising converting DC power fromthe DC bus into DC output power.
 15. A method for operating a powerconverter system, the method including: receiving input AC power at aninput from an input power source, the input power source having a peakpower limit; operating a charger coupled to the input to convert theinput AC power into first DC power having a first voltage level;providing the first DC power having the first voltage level to a DC bus;operating at least one power converter coupled to the DC bus to convertDC power from the DC bus into output power and provide the output powerto at least one load; and in response to a power demand of the at leastone load exceeding the peak power limit of the input power source,providing second DC power having the first voltage level to the DC busfrom an auxiliary power source to supplement the first DC power providedby the charger.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising adjustingthe peak power limit based on at least one of a variability of the inputpower source, utility costs, and user preferences.
 17. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising providing the first DC power having thefirst voltage level from the DC bus to charge the auxiliary power sourcewhile the power demand of the at least one load is less than the peakpower limit of the input power source.
 18. The method of claim 15,further comprising: monitoring the power demand of the at least one loadwith respect to the peak power limit of the input power source;controlling, in response to the power demand of the at least one loadbeing less than the peak power limit of the input power source, a powerflow control module to provide the first DC power having the firstvoltage level from the DC bus to auxiliary power source; andcontrolling, in response to the power demand of the at least one loadexceeding the peak power limit of the input power source, the power flowcontrol module to draw the second DC power having the first voltagelevel from the auxiliary power source.
 19. The method of claim 15,wherein operating the at least one power converter to convert DC powerfrom the DC bus into the output power further includes operating atleast one inverter to convert DC power from the DC bus into AC outputpower.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein operating the at least onepower converter to convert DC power from the DC bus into the outputpower further includes operating at least one DC/DC converter to convertDC power from the DC bus into DC output power.